Monday, June 7, 2010

Two more mock drafts

#8 - Michael Choice, OF - UT-ArlingtonHouston is focused on upside in the first round, but at the same time, the Astros wouldn't mind something that could help them a little quicker than your standard high-school toolshed. In a system with virtually no power, Choice offers a mature college bat with a huge power ceiling, as well as impressive right field tools that allow for some upside. He's the perfect fit here, but Houston still could end up tempted by a pure dream machine like high school outfielder Austin Wilson.

#19 - Karsten Whitson, RHP - Chipley HS (FL)The Astros are still going to be looking at tools at No. 19, and would be thrilled to make a run at Wilson if he falls to them, but they also could hedge their bet with a high-upside young arm who is a bit more affordable. After Taillon, Whitson has sperated himself from the rest of the pack for some due to a combination of right now velocity and a body that screams projection.

#8 - Michael ChoiceRumors are flying in every direction for the Astros, though most involve a bat at this point, which is what I've expected all spring. However, the similarity in the rumors ends about there, as they're connected to five or six players that are all over draft boards, and signability is supposed to be an issue for a team that usually pays slot and has extra picks. Choice is a solid natural fit.

#19 - Delino DeShields, Jr. - OF, Woodward Academy (GA)This is yet another rumor that won't go away, and I'm very close to the action on this one. There's a lot of late movement going on in Georgia, and DeShields is at the center of that movement. The Astros are certainly in love with his bat, and I'd be surprised if they took the chance of seeing if he fell to their pick at #33.

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